African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) Secretary-General, Ms. Adefunke Adeyemi, says Nigeria can unlock a major transformation in air transport through full SAATM acceleration. She said the country could cut airfares by 35 per cent, grow traffic by 55 per cent and open up to 40 new intra-African routes within five years if it acts quickly. According to her, SAATM remains the clearest path toward genuine liberalisation of Africa’s skies.
Delivering the keynote address at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference (FNAC) in Abuja, she described the potential gains as “nothing short of transformational.” She said SAATM gives Nigeria a strategic advantage, because it offers a direct route to stronger connectivity, larger markets and more competitive African airlines. She stressed that SAATM must move from aspiration to full implementation.
In her words, “Nigeria has everything it needs to become the beating heart of African aviation, but the benefits will only flow when we embrace full liberalisation. SAATM is not an abstract idea. It is a real, measurable opportunity for cheaper tickets, stronger airlines and a more connected continent.”
Nigeria’s SAATM Opportunity Hinges on Policy Reforms
Adeyemi said Nigeria’s aviation market remains central to Africa’s economic strategy, yet several structural problems continue to suppress its potential. She explained that the continent cannot deepen intra-African connectivity without Nigeria taking a stronger leadership role. She noted that the country’s geography, population and aviation history place it in a unique position to drive SAATM outcomes.
She said Africa still struggles with restrictive bilateral agreements, protectionist policies and weak infrastructure that limit growth. According to her, “Our skies remain fragmented. We cannot talk about continental prosperity when airlines are restricted from flying freely across Africa. Liberalisation works, and every country that has embraced it has seen the benefits.” She added that SAATM cannot succeed unless key states remove barriers that stifle competition.
The AFCAC Secretary-General said Nigeria stands to gain significantly if it accelerates domestic reforms aligned with SAATM expectations. She explained that SAATM can turn the country into a real regional hub by attracting investors, expanding competition and boosting aviation’s contribution to GDP.
However, she warned that these advantages will not materialise automatically. Adeyemi noted that airlines cannot survive in an environment where operational costs stay high and infrastructure continues to lag. She emphasised that Nigeria must create a fair market structure that encourages innovation, competition and long-term airline sustainability. She said SAATM’s promise depends on the nation’s readiness to modernise key frameworks.
“We cannot build a modern aviation market on outdated frameworks,” she said. “If we want competitive Nigerian airlines, then we must reduce bottlenecks that make operations difficult and expensive. SAATM gives us the framework, but Nigeria must provide the enabling environment.”
High Fares Driven by Policy Barriers, Not Market Forces
Adeyemi said high ticket prices across Africa are caused mostly by structural constraints rather than operational realities. She argued that removing these barriers will make air travel more affordable for Nigerian consumers while expanding tourism and business travel. She noted that Africa cannot grow its middle class or expand continental trade without lower fares and stronger intra-African links supported by SAATM acceleration.
She described the current fare levels as unsustainable for a region seeking deeper mobility. She explained that Nigeria must position itself at the centre of African travel demand by adopting predictable, transparent and flexible policies that align with SAATM goals. She said the future of African aviation belongs to nations that embrace openness.
The AFCAC scribe acknowledged reforms by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and praised Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, for prioritising airport improvements. She said Nigeria’s airports play a major role in achieving SAATM objectives but warned that infrastructure alone cannot deliver results.
“Infrastructure is important, but it must be matched with regulatory openness, modern air navigation systems and a strong safety oversight culture,” she said. “This is how we make the Nigerian aviation market attractive to both local and foreign operators.”
Collaboration Needed to Drive Nigeria’s SAATM Ambitions
Adeyemi stressed the need for stronger cooperation across the aviation sector. She urged airlines, regulators, airports and the private sector to work together to drive SAATM’s implementation. She said Nigeria must reduce excessive charges, improve financing access for airlines and modernise air navigation systems to avoid widening its competitive disadvantage.
According to her, “Aviation does not thrive in silos. Government, regulators, airports, airlines and the private sector must work together. When Nigeria aligns its policies with continental standards, our airlines will be more competitive and our airports will attract more traffic.” She said SAATM can only succeed in an environment supported by consistent policies.
Adeyemi warned that Nigeria risks losing influence if it delays implementation while other African nations push forward. She reminded participants that aviation strategy now revolves around flexible networks, predictable processes and competitive markets. According to her, airlines will always prioritise markets that support SAATM principles.
“The countries that open up now will dominate the future of African aviation,” she said. “Nigeria can either lead this transformation or watch others shape the market without us.”
She concluded by urging Nigeria to embrace bold reforms and seize its leadership role. “The continent is watching Nigeria,” she said. “If we take decisive action, we can unlock growth that benefits our airlines, our airports and our people. SAATM gives us that chance, now we must rise to meet it.”
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